The Beekeeper library tour, II

Wednesday was a double-header here at the Everyone’s Reading The Beekeeper’s Apprentice library tour—after a lunch out-of-doors with Connie Silver, the librarian who was instrumental in the choice of Beekeeper’s Apprentice for the two counties, and a visit to the gorgeously renovated Bloomfield Township library, we invaded the nearby Doyle Center (great name, no?) for a noon event. Then it was Farmington in the evening, with around 150 Beekeeper lovers coming to talk about the book, about writing, about the relative merits of Jeremy Irons and Rupert Brooke…Â

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This is the seventh year the Oakland and Wayne counties have sponsored a One Book read, and they do it very well. Over the past three months, gearing up for my visit, the libraries in the system have held book discussions about The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, but they’ve also done a whole slew of related programs. Auburn Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak and William Faust libraries have showed and discussed Sherlock Holmes films. Canton, Dearborn, Rochester Hills, and Royal Oak invited eminent Sherlockians in to talk about Conan Doyle, Doctor Watson, and The Great Detective. Jamie and Robin Agnew, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic owners of Aunt Agatha’s books in Ann Arbor, (who have faithfully schlepped my books to each event and listened to my jokes without falling asleep once) gave a series of talks on The History of the Mystery, and the great Wiletta Heising (author of the books Detecting Women and Detecting Men) talked at several venues about WWI Historical mysteries (which I am sorry to have missed—Wiletta, you working on a book about it, I hope?)

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Several libraries tackled the subject of beekeeping, although so far as I know, only Royal Oak (where I’ll be tonight) dared an actual demonstration hive. I’ll let you know if the bees are still there, clinging to the rafters.

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I’m meeting tonight for drinks and dinner with various Mutterings and Virtual Book Club members, and some librarians, at Bastone near the Royal Oak library—do come by and join us.  And stay for the discussion, which promises to be lively!

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3 Comments

  1. Roxanne on April 18, 2008 at 11:32 am

    Wait–what? “Jeremy Irons and Rupert Brooke”?

    Wish I could be there with you and “various Mutterings and Virtual Book Club members, and some librarians.”

    All of those wonderful programs because of your book. You must/should be so proud of yourself.

    I hope you and everyone else from our little community has a great and safe time.

    I am wondering if Nikki and her daughter made it there without mishap … 🙂

  2. Strawberry Curls on April 18, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    [I am wondering if Nikki and her daughter made it there without mishap …]

    As do I, along with most of the gang over at Letters of Mary. This intrepid duo carries all our regards and best wishes to Ms. King, and a few surprises as well. Please, please take pictures someone.

    Alice

  3. nkk1969 on April 19, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    Roxanne and Alice,

    The trip was great fun. I just posted a two part report in the Author Event section.

    Nikki

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